Fungal nail disease is called onychomycosis, and it is caused by pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes).
The most common fungi affect the nails, less often - the skin. Onychomycosis is mostly people who lead a healthy lifestyle - in swimming pools, saunas, on the beach.
The symptoms of onychomycosis cannot be confused with anything, because the nail turns from shiny and smooth to cloudy, rough and thickened. Yellow, gray, brown spots appear on it, as well as streaks or depressions. The skin roller around the nail becomes inflamed and swollen. Nails can peel and crumble, and sometimes lag behind the nail.
Treatment of nail fungus
Detecting a fungal disease is easy, but it is much more difficult to get rid of it. The treatment process is laborious and requires a lot of time and patience. The first results of therapy appear no earlier than 2 weeks after the start of treatment, and the entire period lasts from 6 to 12 months.
The danger of fungal nail infection is that during the disease immunity decreases, allergic reactions appear, and chronic diseases worsen.
The therapy of fungal diseases is different, and it depends on the area affected by the fungus and its type. Combination therapy is most often used when drugs for internal use and topical antifungals are combined.
Preparations for local therapy are different, but one of the most effective is an antifungal varnish, which is used to cover the affected nail. Other topical medications may be applied to the skin.
Measures to prevent fungal nail infections
According to statistics, 20% of the world's population suffers from fungal diseases, so it is important to monitor disease prevention and personal protection measures.
Effective preventive measures include the following:
- Before visiting public places for recreation, treat your feet with an antifungal ointment or any topical medicine.
- After visiting the pool or sauna, treat your feet and hands with a saline solution or bathe with 72% laundry soap.
- Wear comfortable shoes and watch your feet sweat so as not to create conditions for the growth and development of a fungal infection.
- Strictly follow the rules and norms of personal hygiene (individual use of shoes, slippers, underwear).
- Do not walk on the beach barefoot, but wear light shoes.